Prepping for an interview is a lot like prepping for a test. You need to make sure you study, make sure you get enough sleep and make sure you’re not late. But here are a few other helpful hints to help get you ready for your next interview:

Pick out your outfit the night before. You don’t want to be late because your outfit didn’t work or because you couldn’t find the shirt you were looking for.

Review your own resume. It’s a no brainer to review the company and the job requirements beforehand, but also brush up on what your resume actually says, so you’re prepared to answer any questions.

Practice your verbal and non-verbal communication.

Arrive 15 minutes early.

What ways to you prep for an interview? Leave them in the comments below!

Let’s face it: Interviews are stressful. They become even more stressful when you’re thrown a curveball of an interview question. We’ve compiled some of the most bizarre and off the wall interview questions we’ve ever heard. We want to hear yours! Leave a note in the comments below and share your crazy interview stories.

– What type of animal do you most relate with and why?

– Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?

– You’re a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?

– How does the internet work?

– How many cows are in Canada?

– A penguin walks through that door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?

– What songs best describe your work ethic?

– If you were a pizza delivery man, how would you benefit from scissors?

Over the years, we’ve given and received sage wisdom and career advice. Now, we’re gladly passing it along to you.

1. Don’t settle for a job you’re not passionate about. It’s more than a means to pay your bills. A job consumes the better part of your life, so don’t get stuck in a position or field you hate.

2. Focus on making an impact quickly. The faster you make an impact at your job, the more attention and support you’ll get.

3. Measure your success and build case studies. Not only will this help support your ask for a promotion or raise, it will help you beef up your resume if or when you look for your next opportunity.

4. Locate mentors. Whether they’re within your company or just in your circle of friends, scout out individuals who live the type of lifestyle you want. Ask them to mentor you in your quest to get there.

5. Take risks. Make sure they’re intelligent, but also make sure they’re bold.

Oftentimes in our corporate (or even personal) lives, we reach a particular plateau. Perhaps your job has become stagnant, you’re not feeling as creative or your abilities have reached beyond your job description. Whatever the case may be, you aren’t bound by your surroundings. At Sherpa, we’re in the business of hiking beyond the corporate plateau and helping our job seekers achieve their business goals.

So here’s what you do:

– Make a plan. Sure, it may seem cliché, but even the best hikers carry a map. Figure out where your peak is—a promotion, a new industry, etc.

– Take the steps. Know where you want to go? Next, figure out how to get there. Sometimes hiking beyond the plateau involves going through a valley first, but you at least have your destination in sight.

– Lean on us. Think of us as your trustiest pair of hiking shoes. Call on Sherpa to help you take that next employment step. We’ll work to place you in exactly the right place.

What does your final, business destination look like? We’d love to know your business goals!

The New Year is all about new opportunities—new wardrobe, new exercise routine, new diet. Why not apply similar resolutions to your work life? At Sherpa, professional development is important to us; not just internally but for the employees we place as well. We love nothing more than hearing stories of our employees climbing the corporate ladder in a company we’ve placed them in.

Let us help you do the same! Make 2014 a year of growth, both personally and corporately. Here are a few takeaways to get you there:

Be Innovative. Solve problems, find new paths, develop a new, profitable initiative. Your bosses want to see that you’re forward thinking and dedicated to your job.

Get Involved.Raise your hand and involve yourself in as many good opportunities as you can. If there’s a new project launching, a new committee forming or a leadership training program starting, sign up! Look for opportunities where you can rise to the top and stand out.

Mentor and be mentored.Seek out someone higher up or more experienced than you to be your corporate mentor. Allow them to pour into you and help you navigate the corporate waters. Do the same for any new employees in the building. Not only will it cultivate a cohesive team mentality, it will show your bosses that you’re a leader.

“In today’s corporate environment it’s your responsibility to take ownership of your career path. Gone are the days of guaranteed raises and/or annual promotions. If you want a raise, a promotion, a new role, you have to ask for it and have the supporting business case to prove that you deserve it. Be realistic, know your environment, and always be professional in your approach.” – Kori Renn, Sherpa Senior Account Manager